How can I tell my non-Catholic parents that I am converting?

Question

My father is somewhere close to Baptist, and my mom is between Nazarene and Methodist, and both of them think that Catholics are alcoholic, child-molesting idol worshipers. The problem is that I want to become Catholic... because I just feel at home there. I don't know how to tell them... They will think it is just that my boyfriend (who is Catholic) is brainwashing me. How can I phrase it so that they won't freak?

Answer 1

Your parents think those things because they are ignorant of Catholicism. It fact, it almost sounds to be as if your parents aren't quite sure where they stand...what with you explanation of each of them being sort of 'in between' various denominations.

Catholic Dogma has not changed in 2,000 years - and the Church is not squeamish about letting the world know where It stands on the issues. This probably as something to do with why you are attracted to the Church, I'm guessing?

The Truth of the matter is, there are none so blind as those who will not see. Your parents don't want to see that only 6% of Catholic clergy are in any way involved in the sex scandals. Granted - that is 6% too many bubt it's far less than what you parents want to believe it is. Also, Jesus used wine at the last supper, consecrated it - in so doing, the wine became the blood of Christ. Why would the Catholic Church then use anything other than wine? Are your parents of the ridiculous persuasion that Jesus used grape juice instead of wine?

When it comes to Catholicism, your parents are going to believe what they want to believe. Arch Bishop Fulton Sheen once said, "There are not but 100 people in the world who hate Catholicism. There are millions who hate what they falsly believe to be Catholicism." Based on what you've said here, your parents are two of mere millions of mislead/misinformed individuals.

Just tell your parents the truth; while you have discovered Catholicism through your boyfriend, your newfound fondness for the Church is separate than your fondness for your boyfriend.

Reason with your parents...clearly, they cannot come to an agreement between themselves as far as which is the right way. your dad is "close to" Baptist, and your mother is "between" Nazarene & Methodist. Whatever "close to" and "between" means, it sounds like niether of them are able to fully commit themselves to any Christian denomination's doctrine. Why should you not be allowed to discover for yourself? They, in all their supposed spiritual wisdom, seem wishy-washy, while you are steadfast about Catholicism. They should allow you to discover God on your own, as your parents currently (still) are.

I don't mean to sound disrespectful towards your parents. They have to understand that, while they can lead you to water, they cannot force you to drink.

As far as your parents adverse response, I think the Bible is your best defense. The followin website details Biblical evidence for all of Catholicisms beliefs and practices - especially those most often challenged by non-Catholic Christians.

Good luck. I hope everything works out.

Answer 2

Yes, I would talk to both your dad and your grandparents about this first. Your dad can soften your mom up before you then decide to tell them all at the same time--unless your mom would be insulted that everyone was there. Then, it would just be your dad and her. Don't be accusatory toward the Protestant religions you've been raised with. Simply explain the positives of Catholicism that you've found and would like to be a part of that. Naturally, if she objects, you will have to obey her and wait until you're an adult. You'd have to go to CCD and you might be tutored depending on the program so you can catch up with our sacraments. You might be able to be confirmed with everyone else in 8th grade depending on how long they've been preparing for the sacrament and their policy. At our church, those who don't go to the Catholic school receive their sacraments a year later. Misty has a lot of great sites to study the religion. Good luck!

Answer 3

the only testimony that u becoming Catholic is good, is by your behaviour...remember, your parents have also selected different Churches, but they believe in the blessed Trinity...so nothing changes...what will change is that we as Catholics, have different methods, which are tough to follow, if u want to follow it correctly.Only the Word of God is the Authority.The Pope writes and explains some teaching that are called encyclicals-we obey the direction he gets from the Holy Spirit.He also has a charismatic priest ,gifted in all that the Holy Spirit gifts, who teaches him(Pope) once a week .
The Mass is the highest form of worship, all prayers taken from biblical verses.
Confession is a form reconciliation to God, when you say out to the priest,a legal operation, that u decide, from now on i dont want to sin in this area again.it is like a counsel u go to, when u need to speak, and hear an audible voice of instruction.

Answer 4

Simple, show them information of Baptist and Methodist child molesting pastors.

Catholics are not idol worshippers, protestants just wanted it to be portrayed as such so they get an upper hand as the bible says thou shall not make idols of gods. However, what protestants conveniently forgets is .... catholics are the ones that compiled the bible and they will be the last to contravene them.

Answer 5

It depends upon the degree of control they have. My husband was super-independent, so whatever he said, they meekly found a positive way of accomodating him. I knew what they thought of my religion, but they had the good sense not to say anything about it, and they respected me being Catholic. I didn't mind if he didn't convert, but he decided to, and they supported him 100%.

I've got GREAT in-laws.

As for your parents, if they want to be involved, then they will find out. It's better if you tell them. Good luck with that. You may have to move across the country and stay away for a while. Some couples do that.

Answer 6

WHEN experiencing calamity, the patriarch Job received a visit from his three friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. They came to sympathize with him and to comfort him. (Job 2:11) The most influential and perhaps the oldest of the three was Eliphaz. He was the first one to speak and had the most to say. What type of thinking did Eliphaz reflect in his three speeches?

Recalling a supernatural experience he once had, Eliphaz said: “A spirit itself went passing over my face; the hair of my flesh began to bristle. It began to stand still, but I did not recognize its appearance; a form was in front of my eyes; there was a calm, and I now heard a voice.” (Job 4:15, 16) What kind of spirit had influenced the thinking of Eliphaz? The critical tone of the words that followed shows that the spirit certainly was not one of God’s righteous angels. It was a wicked spirit creature.

Answer 7

I converted to Catholicism, and was in a similar situation as you when I told my parents. I explained to them what Catholicism teaches and tried to reason with them. I don't think there is a way to tell them without them freaking. All I can say is pray.

Answer 8

your parents should be more understanding and respect your decision.! tell them after some consideration you discovered that catholicism is your way to get closer to god. see i never got why catholics and christains dont get along...you guys worship the same god...the way you worship is different but who cares! i thought you guys were more about worshipping then nip picking at one another about how you worship the same god!

Answer 9

God bless you and welcome home.

Do the best you can to make sure you tell them with love. Let that be your motive. The next thing you need to start doing is getting a solid Catholic education. Knowing your faith is the best thing you can do for yourself. Speak to the priest for help with this, he'll be glad to assist.

God bless and welcome home.

Answer 10

tough one.. because there is no way that they one freak... well unless you tell the 1st that you want to become a santanist.. well then when you change your mind and want o be cathlic.. they should be releaved.. if you want IM me on Yahoo and i will help you go over this if you like.. kiki_to_u Bright blessings